How to Paint a Ceiling

Painting a Ceiling

Introduction:

Painting ceilings
is a tough task because you have to work over your
head while bending your neck back to see the work
area. If you intend to use a roller be sure to
purchase a paint roller with an extension handle.
It's much easier and less tiring to paint a ceiling
while standing on the floor rather than on a
ladder. For a longer handle you can use a broom
handle.

For applying a textured finish ceiling use a thick
nap roller to ensure that you get full coverage
over the small bumps and irregularities in the
surface. For a smooth drywall ceiling, you can use
a roller with a smooth or shorter nap.

Painting a ceiling may seem overwhelming if you've
never done it before. And often it's hard to see
what you're doing in as much as you may be putting
white paint over existing white paint. Always use a
quality ceiling paint.

How to Paint a Ceiling:

Step 1:

Prepare the room by removing all of the furniture
before you begin painting. Use drop cloths or
newspaper to protect the floors and any furniture
that you must leave in the room. I recommend using
canvas drop cloths as they tend to work better and
are reusable.

Use quick release painter's tape to mask around
trim and the area of the wall where it meets the
ceiling. If you are good with a cutting paint brush
you will not have to use tape.

Step 2:

Prime the ceiling before painting using a primer
with stain-blocker. Priming the ceiling or walls
before painting should ensure that one coat of
paint will be sufficient.

Step 3:

Begin by painting a cut-in line on the ceiling.
This is a 2 to 3 inch strip where the ceiling meets
the wall. Start in the corner of the shortest
length of the ceiling. You will need a three inch
paintbrush and a stepladder for this part of the
job.

Step 4:

While the
cut-in line is still wet begin painting the ceiling
with the roller. This is done while the cut-in line
is still wet to prevent a visible line after the
paint is dry.

How to Paint with a Roller:

Dip the roller in the deep portion of the paint
tray.

Roll it back and forth in the shallow end of the
tray to squeeze out excess paint and ensure even
coverage on the roller.

Use the roller to make a zigzag pattern on the
ceiling.

Go over the zigzag pattern with straight strokes to
even out the paint.

Once the paint has dried apply a second coat if
needed by starting with the cut-in line and
finishing with the roller.